Letter from Kodimoh Congregants Advocating Proposed Changes (1957)

This letter from congregants, containing constructive feedback, highlights some perceived strengths and weaknesses of the Kodimoh program.

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Letter to Kodimoh Congregants Outlining Yizkor Policies (1954)

Dear Friend: May we call to your attention a new feature in Kodimoh's spiritual program, which will no doubt be of interest to you? In the past, it has been our custom, on the four times a year when the Yizkor is recited, to read the names of the deceased in the course of the Memorial Prayers. Unfortunately, we have found that as time passes, more and more names are submitted for mentioning. This has reached the point where it has proven burdensome for the congregation to remain standing for the lengthy recital of the names. We feel that to continue in the same manner detracts from the dignity of the service and is well-nigh impractical. We know that in a number of years from now it will be completely out of the question. It has therefore been decided to adopt a system whereby we will be able to memorialize our beloved departed and still maintain the dignity and decorum of the service. Each year, before Yom Kippur, we shall publish a printed booklet containing the Yizkor prayers including a list of all the names of the deceased whose memory we wish to reverence. The Cantor will recite a collective "El Mole" for all those whose names appear in the booklet, at all four occasions during the year when Yizkor is said.The names which appear on plaques will be automat-ically included without special charge. For those who want to memorialize relatives and friends for whom there are no plaques, the following system will be adopted. For a voluntary contribution per name, we will include the name of the deceased plus the name of the donor. Since this is not a fund raising proposition we have decided to place a maximum limit on the donation. The charge, therefore, is entirely up to you. You are invited to give any contribution per name you wish, but the maximum limit is $15.00 per name.Ue respectfully request that you hurry and fill out the enclosed form. Please remember that the dead-line is September 20th. Absolutely no applications will be accepted after that date until the…

Kehillat Kodimoh

Letter to Kodimoh Congregants Announcing Birchat Kohanim Classes (1956)

Dear Friend: This letter is intended for you in your capacity as a "Kohen." As such, you are not only heir to a glorious and magnificent tradition, but you are privileged to bear the responsibility of acting as a Kohen functionally as well. One of the most important and beautiful functions of the Kohen in modern times is the "Birchas Kohanim" – the blessing of Israel as pronounced by the descendants of Aaron. This blessing is pronounced, as you know, on all major holidays. And since we are soon approaching the Passover festival, I take the privilege of approaching you about a matter I have been considering for some time now, and in which you may be personally involved. For many years now, American Orthodox synagogues have been discouraging Kohanim who do not observe the Sabbath from performing this all-important Mitzvah. As a result, the Kohanim who do participate are growing older in age and fewer in numbers. And this beautiful, elegant and inspiring part of our holiday services is gradually facing extinction.I, for one, feel that something should be done to retain this sacred tradition. I do so while recognizing the fact that a good number of our Kohanim are, for one reason or another; not Sabbath observers, and without in the least encouraging or sanctioning this non-observance.Some months ago, I presented a paper (soon to be published) to the Halacha (Jewish Law) Commission of the Rabbinical Council of America, of which I am a member, outlining the legal aspects of the problem. The members of the Commission unan-imously agreed with me as to my conclusion. The following is therefore authoritively in accordance with Jewish Laws.All Kohanim should participate in the "Birchas Kohanim". Sven if he not be a Sabbath observer^ the Kohen may, and is required,to pronounce the blessing over his fellow-Jews.ACCORDINGLY, I RESPECTFULLY INVITE YOU TO COOPERATE IN THE REVITALIZATION OF THIS SACRED aND BEAUTIFUL TRADITION.I will be more than glad to answer any questions that m…

Kehillat Kodimoh

Letters to New and Old Presidents of Congregation Kodimoh (1964)

Our heartiest best wishes and congratulations. May God grant you a successful tenure in which Kodimoh will grow to unprecedented heights in the service of Torah and Israel. Rabbi and Mrs. Lamm We join with your many friends in hailing your splendid contributions to Kodimoh over the years. May the Almighty grant you, your wife and children, many years of health and good cheer in which to contribute further to Torah and Israel. Rabbi and Mrs. Lamm

Kehillat Kodimoh